Great post RocyMTN. I couldn't have said it better myself. I just posted within the intel blog last night and touched to point of we all run into the recruiter and processor situation where it seems that some do the old Potomac two step with your kit. I explained that yes, it is your career and that being "proactive" is a big part of it. I will say the same here as I did there. You do have your issues with some recruiters, and we all don't know their particular workload, jobs, or collaterals. But if the applying member would "educate" themselves on the process, naval instructions, and be proactive, your recruiter may not seem as bad to one as they might think. In speaking from 19 years of being in the Navy, to be honest, its all apart of the process. Expect rejection! expect to feel like you are not the best, or your recruiters number priority isn't you just because you thought you were. I speak to those even with the high GPAs and better looking kits off of the starting line. You to may get these feelings at some point also. If this happens continue to improve your package. Look for things to "break you out". Although highly regarded, high GPAs is not the all-be-all with a package. Remember there are more candidates than just you, and everyone is just as hungry. Your recruiter has to "prioritize" and pick the best candidates that seemingly have the most potential to be successful. They have a job to do to.
If I could offer anything it would be to stay proactive. You want to do this, so learn everything about the process to include checklists, reading about becoming an officer, naval instructions and guidlines in assembling a package and the like. Because truth be told if selected, you may be that recruiter one day who has to go through the same motions as some. Recruiting is a thankless job. And many don't get the credit they deserve for their hard work. I would advise that we all try to better educate ourselves on the entire process, not just get tunnel visioned on the individual just applying.
Communication is key! Establish lines of comm with your processor and recruiter. Get to know them. The are more apt to help you once you have established a healthy, respectful relationship. Be proactive! Its your career!...don't leave it in anyone else's hands but your own. Because at the end of the day, it boils down to you. For example, because I educated myself on the process, requirements, navy instructions, checklists etc...(plus I cheated with 19 years of enlisted service). I understood for the most part what the selection criteria for my particular community of application was and what the specifics of what the package entailed. By the time I sat with the recruiter to discuss options, I presented a package that was about 85% complete. A good recruiter will appreciate the initiative and correct things along the way. But time is a key factor. Be proactive, they will facilitate along the way. They are there for guidance, not to hold your hand and do your work for you.
